Predatory Prices: Nashville’s Terms for Yaroslav Askarov Trade
The Nashville Predators have made it clear that they are willing to entertain offers for their highly-touted goaltending prospect, Yaroslav Askarov, but any potential trade will require a substantial return. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Predators have communicated to other NHL teams that they are prepared to part ways with Askarov, but only in exchange for a comparable top prospect or an established NHL player, regardless of position.
Friedman reported, “Nashville’s told teams — and there are a lot of interested parties — that the price for Yaroslav Askarov is either a current NHLer or a similarly highly-rated prospect who is not a goalie.” This statement underscores the Predators’ intention to secure significant value in return for Askarov, reflecting their belief in his potential and the strategic importance of this potential trade.
The situation surrounding Askarov’s future intensified following the Predators’ recent signing of Juuse Saros to a lengthy eight-year contract. Askarov, upon hearing the news, shared a cryptic message on social media, suggesting he sees a larger plan at play: “everything happens for a reason.” This reaction hints at Askarov’s desire to accelerate his NHL career rather than returning to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals. Having demonstrated his capabilities over two strong seasons, Askarov believes he is ready for regular NHL action, a sentiment shared by many observers familiar with his talent.
During the NHL Draft, the Predators attempted to gauge interest in Askarov from teams holding top-five draft picks, hoping to strike a deal. However, no agreement materialized at that time. With the approaching free agency period, Nashville now has an opportunity to leverage the goaltending market, assessing which teams are most eager to solidify their goaltending situation through a trade.
It is evident that Juuse Saros has firmly secured the starting goaltender position in Nashville for the foreseeable future, leaving Askarov seeking a different path to NHL ice time. The Predators are keenly aware of Askarov’s potential and value, making it a priority to find a suitable trade scenario that not only benefits them in the short term but also aligns with their long-term strategic goals.
As the summer progresses, the NHL offseason will likely see heightened speculation and negotiation surrounding Askarov’s future. For now, the Predators’ stance remains clear: they are open to trading Yaroslav Askarov, but only for a trade package that includes a current NHL player of comparable value or a highly-regarded prospect who can make an immediate impact in the league. This approach reflects Nashville’s commitment to maximizing the return on their investment in Askarov while ensuring the team remains competitive in the seasons ahead.